Description
A flavorful and easy weeknight meal combining the zest of taco seasoning with classic spaghetti, topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a comforting Tex-Mex inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prepare the rest of the dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release flavor.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water, then simmer the mixture for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer, combining all the flavors.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Melting Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the spaghetti. Cover the skillet and let it sit off the heat for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños, if desired, and serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef to vary the protein.
- Leftovers reheat well and make an excellent next-day meal.